NORTH SOUTH UNIVERSITY
Assignment
Faculty Name: Marzan Bintey Kamal
Course Name: Emergence of
Bangladesh
Course Code: His103
Date of Submission: 12/6/2024
Student Name: [Link]
Jobayer
ID: 2311322043
Section: 52
Department: ECE
The emergence of Bangladesh in 1971 was the result of a complex interplay of
historical, political, economic, social, and cultural factors. Here are some of the key
factors:
Historical Factors
1. Colonial Legacy: The division of Bengal by the British in 1905 and its
subsequent reunification in 1911 created longstanding regional tensions. The
1947 partition of India further intensified these issues by creating the two
geographically and culturally distinct wings of Pakistan.
2. Language Movement: The imposition of Urdu as the national language by
the Pakistani government sparked significant resentment in East Pakistan,
where the majority spoke Bengali. The Language Movement of 1952, which
led to the deaths of student protesters, was a significant early indicator of the
deep cultural divide.
Political Factors
1. Political Disparity: Despite East Pakistan having a larger population, political
power was concentrated in West Pakistan. This imbalance was a source of
growing discontent.
2. Autonomy Demands: The Bengali people opposed the 1946 Lahore
Resolution amendment, which shifted Pakistan's political concept from
Independent States to a Single State. In 1948, Urdu was declared the state
language, leading to the abrogation of the first constitution and military rule in
1958. Bengali ministers were limited, and East Pakistan's chief secretaries
were non-Bengalis. That’s why The Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman, demanded greater autonomy for East Pakistan through the Six-
Point Movement.
3. 1970 General Election: On December 7, 1970, the Awami League won a
landslide victory in the National Assembly of Pakistan, securing 167 seats out
of 169. This was a surprise for West Pakistan politicians, particularly the
military junta. The Awami League secured 82% of the votes cast in East
Pakistan, while Bhutto's People's Party left others behind. The AL secured an
absolute majority in the National Assembly. The success of the Awami
League was attributed to the Six-Points Program, the 1970 natural disaster,
and the government's callous response. The Awami League and people of
East Pakistan expected a new government formed by the AL, with a new
constitution framed according to the people's wishes and the Six-Point
Program. However, the Military Junta and PPP leader Bhutto sided with the
military, leading to uncertainties in Pakistan.
Economic Factor:
Although, East Pakistan had the larger population, West Pakistan dominated the
divided country politically and received more money from the common budget.
Year Spending on Spending on East Amount spent on
West Pakistan (in Pakistan (in East as
millions millions percentage of
of Pakistani of Pakistani West
rupees) rupees)
1950–55 11,290 5,240 46.4
1955–60 16,550 5,240 31.7
1960–65 33,550 14,040 41.8
1965–70 51,950 21,410 41.2
East Pakistan's economic disparity increased under Pakistani rule due to deliberate
state discrimination, the presence of the capital and immigrant businessmen in the
Western Wing, low native businessmen, labor unrest, and a tense political
environment. The Pakistani state's economic outlook was geared towards urban
industry, which was not compatible with East Pakistan's mainly agrarian economy.
Bengalis were underrepresented in the Pakistani military, with only 5% of officers of
Bengali origin in the overall force by 1965. Despite huge defence spending, East
Pakistan received none of the benefits, such as contracts, purchasing, and military
support jobs. The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 also highlighted military insecurity
among Bengalis.
Social and Cultural Factors
1. Cultural Identity: The Bengali population of East Pakistan had a distinct
cultural identity, including language, literature, and traditions, which differed
significantly from the Punjabi-dominated West Pakistan.
2. Nationalism: Over time, a strong sense of Bengali nationalism developed,
fueled by cultural pride and resentment against perceived injustices by the
central government.
Immediate Triggers
1. 7th March Speech: On March 7th, Bangabandhu announced four conditions for
joining the National Assembly: lifting martial law, withdrawing military personnel,
transferring power to elected representatives, and conducting an inquiry into the loss
of life during the conflict. The speech, which lasted 19 minutes, declared
Bangladesh's independence as a struggle for freedom and independence. Despite
speculation that Sheikh Mujib would make a unilateral declaration, he did not, citing
the failures of Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence and the Biafra
struggle in Nigeria. Despite this, the speech effectively provided Bengalis with a clear
goal of independence.
[Link] Searchlight: Blueprint of Slaughter :-Operation Searchlight was a
planned military operation by the Pakistan army in March 1971 to suppress the
Bengali nationalist movement in East Pakistan. The military junta, led by Yahya
Khan, aimed to deter the transfer of power to the Awami League. British colonialists
portrayed Bengalis as non-martial and the Pakistan army, primarily Punjabi and
Pathan, viewed them as racially inferior and weak. The juntas planned to kill four
million people in 48 hours, with President Yahya Khan stating that he would kill three
million and the rest would eat out of their hands. The Chinese prime minister was
aware of the planned operation, and on 19th March, about 20,000 Bengali military
officers' armories were seized. The plan was prepared by Major General Rao
Forman Ali and Major General Khadim Raja and directed to General Hamid and
Tikka Khan. The violence resulting from Operation Searchlight led to the war.
International Factors
1. Geopolitical Support: The United States played a crucial role in the Liberation
War of Bangladesh, initially viewing the conflict as an internal affair of Pakistan.
However, Cold War alliances complicated its support, with President Nixon's
administration providing military aid to Pakistan. Despite criticism and reports of
human rights abuses, the U.S. continued to support Pakistan, influenced by strategic
interests against the Soviet Union. The U.S. Seventh Fleet was sent to the Bay of
Bengal, signaling support for Pakistan. Ultimately, the war led to Bangladesh's
establishment as an independent nation, highlighting the limits of American influence
in the face of regional dynamics and popular movements. On the other hand The
USSR played a significant role in the Bangladesh Liberation War, influencing South
Asia's geopolitical dynamics during the Cold War. Signing a 20-year friendship treaty
with India in 1971, the USSR provided substantial military support to India,
countering US and Chinese backing of Pakistan. This support facilitated the swift
victory of Indian and Bangladeshi forces and demonstrated its strategic interest in
weakening US influence. India also played a crucial role in the war through military,
political, and humanitarian efforts. Militarily, India provided arms, training, and
strategic assistance to the Mukti Bahini, the Bangladeshi freedom fighters, which
ultimately won the war. Politically, India lobbied for global recognition of the
Bangladeshi struggle and accommodated millions of refugees. India's direct military
intervention in December 1971 marked a decisive turn in the conflict, leading to
Bangladesh's establishment as an independent nation.
2. Global Opinion: International media coverage of the atrocities and the refugee
crisis garnered global sympathy and pressure, adding to the momentum for
Bangladesh's independence.
The combination of these factors, along with the resilience and determination of the
Bengali population, led to the eventual emergence of Bangladesh as an independent
nation on December 16, 1971.